Brevig Mission School

Spring has arrived, standards have been passed, and school is almost finished. Let’s celebrate! For the last full day of school, the first and second grade headed to the beach to test drive kite flying. Making sure the class added this activity to it’s list of Healthy Activities in support of Life Skills 1.01, we flew kites, collected and sorted rocks, made rock powder, and discussed spring camp. The kids enjoyed themselves, the fresh air was needed, and we celebrated our 2008 accomplishments accomplishments.

The totals are in and this year the 1st and 2nd grade of Brevig Mission collected 9,207 can tabs! That’s about 100$. Not too bad for its debut.  The can tabs will be hand delivered to the Portland, Oregon Charity House. We inquired about a house in Anchorage but were informed one did not exist. It was suggested that we send them to Seattle, Washington since many Alaskan children are sent there for critical care, however; they do not participate in the can tab program. Portland, Oregon was next in line.

Before heading off for Summer vacation, we have promised to continue collecting. We hope to return to school with our collection already strong and in gear.  Our goal for collection will be discussed at that time. As of now, our drop off sites are mostly at school. We hope to increase the number of collecting sites throughout the village and encourage even more participation. Many families and community members supported us and we would like to thank them in helping us pass the Life Skills Standards of 1.04 ans 2.12. We ask that you please continue collecting over the summer. We look forward to setting new collection record next year and having more collaboritive projects involving the village and school.

Brevig Mission was fortunate enough to have a former teacher visit for a few days.  Paul Hamilton was invited by the senior class to be their guest speaker at graduation.  It was obvious that the students and community members were excited to see him and catch up on each other’s lives.

Paul’s speech at graduation was captivating and very encouraging.  He talked about what an honor it was to be asked to speak at graduation.  Once he was invited, he made it a priority to travel 2500 miles from Portland to Brevig to attend the commencement ceremony.  Throughout the speech, Paul pointed out that Brevig Mission is a wonderful, unique and special place.  During his years in this community, people welcomed him and made him feel at home.   As Paul mentioned in his speech, “Where else in this country do your students invite you to go duck hunting?”  The speech continued on by encouraging the graduates to make their futures a home that is welcoming, just as the people of Brevig are warm and welcoming.  He commended the students for their hard work, determination and teamwork.  Congratulations graduates and thank you Paul Hamilton for your words.

Tags: graduation

An anonymous person once said, “Attitude determines altitude.” Today at Brevig Mission’s graduation our graduates were flying high with “can do” attitudes. After a year of hard work, the lesson in the quote was realized. They were in the clouds with pride, after accomplishing nearly unobtainable goals with a determined attitude. The six graduates of this year’s commencment were: Bertha Louise Barr, James Olanna, Polly Anna Tocktoo, Renee Molly Olanna, Jeffery Tocktoo, and William Olanna.

The commencement speech was given by a vetern teacher chosen by the graduating class. Paul Hamilton was flown in from Portland, Oregon to “welcome home” these graduates. Paul had taught the “dream team” 6 years prior, and wanted to greet them to a place he had envisioned a long time ago. As he stood with a warm welcome, feelings of pride burst forth from the crowd and graduates. Also gracing the graduates with thier honor was the Brevig Mission Luthern Choir. They dedicated and sang two hymns for the class. Rita Olann gave the opening prayer and asked that the graduates never stop asking questions and to remember who they are. Jim Hickerson, the BSSD’s suprintendent, also flew in for the day’s celebration.

After speeches were made, advice given to future graduates, songs sung, slide shows presented, roses handed out, and pictures taken, the honorees, elders, and guest ate cate and drank punch in the commons. Congradulations class 2008!

One of our upper elementary students, Mary, did a wonderful book club activity about her latest read, “The Secrets of Droon, Journey to the Volcano Palace” by Tony Abbott.  Some of the characters were described as looking like lumpy pillows.  So that’s what Mary created, a lumpy pillow of her very own.  She then shared the project as well as the plot of the story in a presentation to her class.  Very creative project Mary!  Thanks for sharing.

Tags: Book Club, reading

Wednesday May 7, the 5th and 6th grade invited the 1st and 2nd grade into their classroom to do an arts and crafts project that celebrates Eskimo culture. Making a representational drum not only was fun but also helped fulfill standards for both classes. Cross-aged teaching and imparting information is a style of learning that compliments the BSSD project based model.

This year’s prom was full of moonlight magic. The moon was shinning bright and the stars were twinkling. We ate, danced, macarianed, hokie-pokied, did the Casper-slide, and limboed. All ages were present and we even saw a few shakin’ it on the dance floor. Community memebers came to celebrate with the seniors as well as congratulate them on their hard work and determination. It was a well deserved high-spirited gala. We are very proud of our King and Queen, Renee Olanna and James Olanna. Both were born and raised in Brevig. The class also voted for Prince and Princess, honoring Jeffery Tocktoo, and Bertha Barr.

Next year’s incoming kindergarten students were invited, along with their parents, to visit the kindergarten classroom to get a taste of what’s in store for them this August.  We had a great time!  We started by singing a song together, then read the story, “Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?”

Following the story, the kids worked together with their parents to create an art project that looks similar to the style of illustrations that Eric Carle uses in his books.  They turned out beautiful.

Lastly, the new kindergarten students were presented with backpacks as a gift from Bering Strait School District and from all of us at the Brevig Mission School.  The backpacks were filled with learning activities, art supplies, books to read and other fun things for the kids to do this summer.  We’re looking forward to all these lovely faces joining us at “The Big School” next year.

Tags: art, kindergarten, parents

Here in Brevig we are starting to get good weather!